WASHINGTON — Data reveals 451,000 fewer women aged 20 and over are in the labor force now than in January, according to new National Women’s Law Center (NWLC) analysis of monthly jobs data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. In comparison, there are 13,000 more men in the labor force now than in January. 

Despite minimal progress made this year, women in the labor force continue to bear the brunt of economic harms. The unemployment rate for Black women increased from 5.6% in August to 6.8% in September. Unemployment rates for Black workers continue to be elevated compared to other groups. In the same period, the unemployment rate for white men decreased from 3.7% in August to 3.5% in September. 

“September’s jobs numbers show a continuation of concerning trends and conditions for women in the labor force,” said Jasmine Tucker, vice president of research at NWLC. “Nine months into the year, we’re in a much worse place than we were at the start of 2026 — 451,000 fewer women in the labor force is alarming. We remain concerned about policies pushing women, particularly Black women, out of the workforce.” 

Additional stats of note: 

• Job losses in the government sector, which also includes state and local government, continued to disproportionately impact women workers. Of the 17,000 government jobs lost in September, women lost 11,000 jobs, while men lost 6,000 jobs. Women make up 58.6% of the government workforce. 

• The retail trade sector gained 5,800 jobs in August. Women gained 2,000 jobs, while men gained 3,800 jobs. Women make up 48.1% of the retail trade workforce. 

Please let me know if you’d like to speak to a NWLC expert about this data. 

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